It will be at least a month later than initially expected, but it looks like Station 6 will be open for business in two more weeks.
At Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Spokane Valley Fire Department board of commissioners, Deputy Chief Larry Rider reported that Station 6 – which is undergoing reconstruction at Sprague Avenue and the freeway interchange – is nearing completion and should be ready to be moved into by Dec. 13.
“We should be able to actually respond from the facility,” Rider said.
There will be some work that will carry over into 2013.
The commissioners also gave their final approval to the 2013 budget of $30 million, which will include a 0-percent increase in the property tax rate for next year.
The fire commissioners also recognized East Farms instructor Elisha Erickson with an Outstanding Citizen Award for taking in an 8-year-old student and her 4-year-old brother after they were dropped off at Station 8 on Nov. 12 by a man who was unable to care for them.
East Farms Principal Tammy Fuller was contacted by the department, who then responded with Erickson to come up with a plan to care for the children until Child Protective Services workers could come up with a long-term solution. Erickson volunteered to take the kids home with her.
“Ms. Erickson’s unselfish actions ensured that two children, who were seemingly abandoned, were provided the familiar and stable presence of a trusted adult in a very difficult situation,” said Chief Mike Thompson. “Her actions demonstrate a level of commitment, not only to her profession as an educator, but as an example of what is the highest level of citizenry – the selfless caring for those in need.”
The children are now staying with relatives.
“That’s a phenomenal story,” said Commissioner Bill Anderson. “I’ve been here 432 years and have never seen anything like that.”
Also, today (Friday) at 3:30 p.m., fire commissioners will interview candidates for the commissioner post vacated by Monte Nesbitt last month. The interviews will take place at the administration building, 2120 N. Wilbur, at 3:30 p.m.
Those up for consideration for the post include former Spokane Valley mayors and City Council Members Mike DeVleming and Diana Wilhite, former Central Valley School District Superintendent Mike Pearson, airport firefighter Chris Wetherell, former firefighter Cynthia Walters, Spokane Valley Planning Commissioner John Carroll and retired Valley firefighter Mark Normington.

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